If you are on the lookout for a hearty, comforting meal that combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic sloppy joe with the golden, slightly sweet charm of cornbread, then this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is just what your dinner table needs. It’s a delightful one-dish wonder that layers rich, savory ground beef simmered in tangy Sloppy Joe sauce beneath a fluffy, buttery cornbread crust. The perfect blend of textures and flavors makes this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an easy weeknight dinner solution that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this scrumptious casserole. Each item plays a vital role: the cornbread mix brings lightness and sweetness, eggs and milk add moisture and structure, while the beef and sauce create that classic, tangy sloppy joe base that everyone loves.
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 boxes): This provides the perfect sweet and crumbly cornbread texture without the fuss of making cornbread from scratch.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the cornbread together and give it the right rise and fluffiness.
- Milk (⅔ cup): Milk adds moisture and richness, making your cornbread tender.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the sloppy joe filling, providing hearty, savory flavor and protein.
- Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (1 15-oz can): This sauce infuses the beef with that iconic tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sloppy joe taste, making your casserole truly irresistible.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and giving a generous grease to your 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures that your casserole won’t stick and will come out easily after baking, allowing those perfectly browned edges to shine.
Step 2: Make Cornbread Batter
Mix the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, eggs, and milk in a large bowl until everything is just combined and smooth. Setting this mixture aside while you prepare the filling helps keep things moving quickly and efficiently in the kitchen.
Step 3: Make Sloppy Joe Filling
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully cooked through. Don’t forget to drain off excess grease—that step keeps the casserole from getting soggy. Once your beef is ready, add the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and let everything simmer for about five minutes to marry those rich flavors.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Layer the sloppy joe mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, pour the cornbread batter gently on top, spreading it out so it covers the beef completely. This layering is what makes the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe so wonderfully balanced—savory beef below and sweet, tender cornbread above.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled casserole for roughly 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delicious preview of the hearty meal that awaits.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a bright pop of color and subtle freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole. You might also consider a light dusting of shredded cheddar cheese melted on top during the last few minutes of baking for an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots can also add color and nutrients to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—perfect for portion control and making your meal feel extra special. You can also scoop it onto large lettuce leaves as an unexpected sloppy joe wrap alternative that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? No problem. Store the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures the flavors stay fresh and the cornbread remains moist without drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing, and it will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge to help it reheat evenly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the portion size. Alternatively, the microwave works well for single servings—just cover to keep the moisture in and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of Jiffy mix?
Absolutely! Homemade cornbread can add a personal touch and adjust the sweetness or texture to your liking. Just make sure your batter isn’t too thick so it spreads nicely over the filling.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use a vegetarian sloppy joe sauce or homemade tomato-based sauce to keep the same delicious flavor without meat.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it fresh the next day, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s a good substitute for Manwich sauce?
If you don’t have Manwich, mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, a little brown sugar, mustard, and a dash of vinegar to create your own tangy sloppy joe sauce that tastes just right.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s generally mild, perfect for all ages, but you can add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
The Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods coming together in one easy, satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply craving something delicious and fuss-free, this casserole promises flavors that warm the soul and leftovers that are just as good as the first serving. Give it a try for tonight’s dinner—you’re going to love how quickly this one becomes a go-to favorite!
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines the classic tangy and savory flavors of Sloppy Joe filling with a fluffy, golden cornbread topping. It’s an easy, comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, ready in just 30 minutes and serving four.
Ingredients
Cornbread Batter
- 2 (17 oz) boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make Cornbread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, eggs, and milk. Stir the ingredients together until the batter is well blended, then set it aside for later assembly.
- Make Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan, then stir in the can of Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the hot Sloppy Joe meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon and spread the cornbread batter over the top, creating an even layer covering the filling.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The casserole is done when the cornbread topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the cornbread batter before spreading it on top.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef when browning for added flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, mix in some hot sauce or chili powder into the Manwich sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
